The Make in India movement was launched on 25 September 2014 with a clear vision: to encourage companies to manufacture in India, attract investment, create employment and position the country as a competitive global manufacturing hub. Over the years, the initiative has grown beyond a campaign and become part of a broader policy framework involving manufacturing, infrastructure, innovation, skill development and ease of doing business.
Boost to Domestic Manufacturing
One of the biggest impacts of the Make in India movement has been the expansion of India’s manufacturing capabilities. Government policies and incentives have encouraged businesses to establish and expand production facilities within the country.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have played an important role in this transformation. As of December 2025, PLI schemes across 14 sectors had attracted more than ₹2.16 lakh crore in investment and generated over ₹20.41 lakh crore in incremental production and sales. They have also contributed to more than 14.39 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
Increase in Foreign Investment
Attracting foreign investment has been another important objective of the Make in India movement. By opening more sectors to foreign investment and simplifying regulations, India has attempted to create a more welcoming environment for global businesses.
Between April 2014 and March 2025, India received USD 748.78 billion in total FDI inflows. Manufacturing alone attracted USD 184.15 billion in FDI equity inflows during the period.
This investment brings more than capital. It can introduce new technologies, management practices, production techniques and access to international supply chains.
Growth of Electronics and Mobile Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturing is one of the clearest examples of the changing manufacturing landscape in India. Government data shows that electronics production increased from ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25. Electronics exports also grew from ₹38,000 crore to ₹3.27 lakh crore during the same period.
The expansion of mobile phone manufacturing has also helped India become an important electronics production base. This shift is significant because it supports domestic supply chains while reducing dependence on imported finished products.
Employment Opportunities
A stronger manufacturing sector can create employment not only inside factories but also across logistics, transportation, warehousing, services, technology and supporting industries.
According to the Government of India, employment in the manufacturing sector increased from 57 million in 2017-18 to 64.4 million in 2022-23.
PLI-linked investments have added another layer of employment generation, particularly in sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles and food processing.
Rise in Exports
The Make in India movement has also contributed to India’s ambition of becoming a larger player in global trade. India’s merchandise exports crossed USD 437 billion in FY 2023-24, according to the Press Information Bureau.
The growth of electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, defence products and other manufactured goods has created opportunities for Indian companies to move from serving domestic consumers to competing in international markets.
Encouraging Self-Reliance
Another important impact of Make in India is its connection with the broader idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliance. The objective is not simply to stop imports but to build domestic capabilities in areas that are strategically important.
Defence manufacturing is a notable example. Indigenous defence production reached ₹1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, compared with ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15. Defence exports also increased from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25.
Similarly, the development of products such as Vande Bharat trains and the INS Vikrant demonstrates India’s growing ability to design and manufacture complex products domestically.
Support for Innovation and Technology
Manufacturing today depends heavily on technology, research and innovation. Make in India has therefore been accompanied by initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s technological capabilities.
The growth of sectors such as electronics, medical devices, renewable energy, telecommunications and advanced batteries shows how manufacturing policy is increasingly linked with technology development.
This can help Indian businesses move up the value chain instead of competing only on low-cost production.
Improvement in Ease of Doing Business
The movement has also encouraged reforms aimed at making it easier for companies to start and operate businesses in India. The government has reduced compliance requirements, introduced digital systems and taken steps to simplify regulations.
India’s position in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings improved from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd in the 2020 edition, although the World Bank subsequently discontinued the report.
The government has also stated that more than 42,000 compliances have been reduced and thousands of provisions have been decriminalised as part of efforts to reduce the regulatory burden.
The Road Ahead
The impact of the Make in India movement can be seen across investment, manufacturing, employment, exports and strategic industries. However, India’s manufacturing ambitions still require continued investment in infrastructure, skilled talent, research, logistics and supply-chain capabilities.
The next phase will be about moving beyond simply manufacturing more products in India. The larger opportunity is to design, develop, innovate and export products from India while creating globally competitive Indian companies.
The Make in India movement has therefore become an important part of India’s economic transformation. Its long-term success will depend on how effectively India can combine domestic entrepreneurship with global investment, advanced technology, skilled talent and sustainable manufacturing. If this transition continues, India can strengthen its position not just as a large consumer market, but as a major global production and innovation hub.
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